A contingent of A-10 Warthogs and HH-60G Pave Hawks flew its final mission in international waters west of the Philippines in late April. Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced the extended deployment of the aircraft and some 200 airmen, which operated out of Clark Air Base on Luzon Island, last month. While deployed, the A-10s flew four missions over international waters and in international airspace and conducted 24 training sorties and personnel recovery training with the HH-60s. Pararescuemen from the 33rd Rescue Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan, also conducted combat search and rescue subject matter exchanges with the Philippine Air Force, states a release. “This represents a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen our regional presence, enhance security while laying the groundwork for all future joint air contingent deployments,” said Gen. Lori Robinson, Pacific Air Forces commander. The A-10s, which departed the Philippines on April 30, will be replaced by a second contingent of “advanced fighter jets,” though officials have not said when or what type of aircraft will be deployed.
While the Space Force is still making long-term plans to establish high-fidelity live and virtual test and training ranges in the coming years, officials say they're also working with operators to identify near-term gaps and quickly field capabilities to address them.
